Buckle positioning device, and systems, kits, and methods relating thereto

Abstract

A tool is provided for integrated and/or retrofit installation on a seat having a buckled restraint, to maintain a seat buckle out from under a seated user. The tool may include a positioning element. An example positioning element includes a strap with a loop or other connector at one end. The loop or other connector may connect directly or indirectly to a seat buckle. A second end of the strap or other buckle positioning may connect to the seat, or to environment associated therewith. The strap or other positioning element may pull the buckle forward. When the buckle is detached from the restraint system, the buckle remains forward rather than falling backward onto the seat where it can be sat upon. The positioning element may stretch when the buckle system is engaged. The working length of the positioning element may be adjustable to allow use with various seating systems.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A buckle positioning device, comprising:
 an attachment element configured to attach to a seating element associated with a buckle; and   a buckle positioning element attachable to the attachment element and configured to be secured to the buckle and maintain the buckle in a forward position when the buckle is in a released position.   
     
     
         2 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element includes a strap. 
     
     
         3 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element includes a loop. 
     
     
         4 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element includes a loop connected to a resilient strap, wherein the resilient strap is connected to the attachment element. 
     
     
         5 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the attachment element includes a clip. 
     
     
         6 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 6 , wherein the clip includes one or more biasing members for frictionally engaging the seating element associated with the buckle. 
     
     
         7 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the seating element includes a portion of a car seat. 
     
     
         8 . The buckle positioning device recited in  claim 1 , wherein the buckle positioning device is a kit with the attachment element separated from the buckle positioning element. 
     
     
         9 . A method for maintaining a seat buckle in a forward position, comprising:
 attaching a buckle positioning device to a buckle of a seat; and   attaching the buckle positioning device to a body of the seat, or to an environment in which the seat is located,   wherein the attached buckle positioning device exerts a biasing force causing the buckle to be pulled forward.   
     
     
         10 . The method recited in  claim 9 , wherein the buckle positioning device includes an attachment element including a flexible strap extending between the buckle and either the body of the seat or the environment in which the seat is located. 
     
     
         11 . The method recited in  claim 9 , wherein attaching a buckle positioning device to a buckle of a seat includes securing a loop of the buckle positioning device around the buckle. 
     
     
         12 . The method recited in  claim 9 , wherein attaching the buckle positioning device includes clipping the buckle positioning device to the body of the seat, or to the environment in which the seat is located. 
     
     
         13 . The method recited in  claim 9 , wherein the buckle positioning device includes a flexible, resilient strap exerting the biasing force causing the buckle to be pulled forward. 
     
     
         14 . The method recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 selectively attaching an attachment element to a buckle positioning element, the attachment element being configured to attach to the body of the seat or to the environment in which the seat is located, and the buckle positioning element being configured to attach to the buckle of the seat.   
     
     
         15 . The method recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 overcoming the biasing force causing the buckle to be pulled forward, and connecting the buckle to one or more buckle attachment members.   
     
     
         16 . The method recited in  claim 15 , wherein the one or more buckle attachment members maintain the buckle in a position overcoming the biasing force. 
     
     
         17 . A seating system, comprising:
 a seat;   a buckle associated with the seat for use in securing a person on or in the seat; and   a positioning system configured to maintain the buckle in a desired position when not in use to secure the person in or on the seat.   
     
     
         18 . The seating system recited in  claim 17 , wherein the positioning system includes a resilient strap configured to pull the buckle forward. 
     
     
         19 . The seating system recited in  claim 17 , wherein the positioning system includes a retraction component integral with the seat. 
     
     
         20 . The seating system recited in  claim 17 , the positioning system consisting essentially of a clip and a resilient strap, wherein a working length of the resilient strap is adjustable using the clip.